Pete Fountain - Closer Walk With Thee/Amazing Grace

[cannonballblues]

Pete is great. Ì`ve just listened to a group called OK-DREAMBAND. The clarinetplayer sounds very similar to Fountain. The cd is called "Clarinet-Dreams" (iTunes). Is it possible, that Pete was the clarinetist?

[JimV33]

@cannonballblues It's not Pete Fountain! But, the clarinet player on the OK-DREAMBAND sounds exactly like Acker Bilk, in fact I think it is Acker Bilk. Check his web site and listen to some of his slow tempo recordings.

[cannonballblues]

@JimV33 Hi Jim! Are You Sure? I don`t know any record of Acker Bilk entitled "Your Eyes Are So Blue", "Clarinet-Dreams" or "Dreambay-Serenade". I believe, the clarinetplayer of OK-DREAMBAND really could be Pete Fountain.

[JimV33]

@cannonballblues YES, I'm sure! This other clarinet players vibrato and tone is exactly like Acker Bilk. Listen to those songs and then listen to Acker Bilk playing Stranger On The Shore or him playing any slow song.

[thanx4calvary]

how can somebody dislike this? Missing my hometown right now!

[linogiord]

Great sound!



[bonifacyja]

hey, is there anybody not related to Pete F.?



[blokdeblok]

My band teacher goes to New Orleans twice every year. Also I am 11 and was being called a fag because I play clarinet but when my band teacher heard about this he told me that 2 of his favorite clarinet players are boys and he said Pete Fountain is one of them.

[JimV33]

@blokdeblok There are always bullies ib school. They were there when I went to school and was playing clarinet in the band. You just have to deal with it. Keep practising, you can still do the other things like football and baseball. You would have never heard of Benny Goodman or Pete Fountain if they had not kept practising on a regular basis. Both became famous for something they enjoyed doing, making music.

Jim

[thepixieful]

@blokdeblok my dear boy being called a name is rude.....someday when you are touring the world with your horn, well when you come back to the high school reunion happy and rich you wll be singing "who's sorry now"....cheers....I wish you the best of show biz holidays. I know Kenny G's teacher, he is in Ken Burns Jazz...also see the movie HUGO in 3-D you will like it, and Django Reinhardt is depicted in the band. oh, and keep practicing your lesson. there's a royal road for you paved with money.

[jbdmed]

@blokdeblok keep playing !!!! just watched Ken Burns documentary on Jazz,,,watch it if you can,,, ALL the best in history were men with the exception of singers Your teacher is right! Woody Allen (Oscar winner) also plays clarinet I wish I could play it. I hope to go to New Orleans too, I always enjoy the street music there

[MrSister127]

@blokdeblok if you are 11 then you should not be on the internet

[blokdeblok]

@MrSister127 I can go on the internet. You are not my parent so don't tell me what to do. I am also 12 now. Now just mind yourself.

[Texguy12345]

@blokdeblok I played clarinet in junior high, high school (including marching band), in college in the symphony, jazz band and pep band. I met so many friends through my music, and I still enjoy music now. By the way, any guys who call you "fag" are just jealous of you and your talent.

[marylovesdavidcook]

funny thing is is that i am related to pete fountain

[7216sp]

As smooth as my favorite bourbon !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[border411]

My dad and grandfather used to be pen pals with Pete. Whenever he came to Albany NY to perform they used to go backstage. I have some great photos of them all together. I grew up on this stuff. When Pete lost a lot of his memorbelia during Katrina, my dad sent his a huge box of stuff, but never heard back from him. I think his health isnt that great anymore.

[Jointlock]

All musicians are after the one thing Pete Fountain seems to always have (and it seems effortless): pure, sweet unadulterated tone. I need some of his, and he has tons to spare.

[kubanking]

I'm at a loss for words to describe how this makes me feel. Sufficed to say, I'm a happy camper at the moment.

Thanks to whoever posted this beautiful stuff.

Peace .

[fatischlt]

yes,yes very super,des macht laune

[sattakhim]

I'm playin clarinet and is proud of it

[wilddanny1andjessie]

My uncle just told me I am related to Pete Fountain and I looked him up and I came to this.

[sockerprincess]

My Grandpa was Leonard "Bud" Stallman of the Five Nickels and Red Pennies.  My Dad talked to Pete years ago and that's what Pete told him.

[JimV33]

That's really cool.  The Red Nickels band was very good. Red played a lot like Bix.

[sockerprincess]

Pete used to go watch my Dad's Dad play!

[JimV33]

@sockerprincess

What was your Grandfather's name? Are you related to Irving Fazola? 'Faz' played with the Bob Crosby band and was one of Pete's idols!

Jim

[shueevon]

Hi Jim, What make and model clarinet does Pete play? What make and gage reed does he use? I saw him play at his club at the NO Hilton in the late 80's; sat at the bar, maybe 30 feet from him. He played a clarinet with with what looked like diamonds embedded around the bell. I've looked but I can't find a picture of him with that clarinet. Do you know anything about it?

Thanks so much for these videos... they're priceless!!

Mike

[JimV33]

@shueevon Hi Mike, Yes his horn indeed has diamonds imbedded in the bell. I got to play that horn several times over the years when visiting with him in his dressing room. Pete plays the current Leblanc Pete Fountain clarinet model 1612G. Pete uses an old 4* O'Brien Glass Mouthpiece made in the 1950s or 1960s with the tip opened a little. He has always used a 2 ½ strength reed. When I first met him in 1963 he used the D. Bonade reed brand.

Jim Valentine

[63striker]

Beautiful trombone, wow!

[poeticsoulja6]

Pete came to my high school once for a summer jazz workshop. That was a treat. He's the reason I picked up the clarinet

[ILShowster]

oooh yeahh--- I love 3:19 ...from this moment I enjoy... is exquisite

[telebasura]

What is the name of the pianist?... 3:55

[JimV33]

@telebasura

The piano players name is Robert Molinelli.

Jim Valentine

[telebasura]

@JimV33 Oh, thanks Jim

[gamers1214]

.......... I can't speak...... Love it so much!!!! I wanna play music like that when I'm older lol right I'm play grade 3 music... But hey maybe one day I could be like him or not

[sirgolfalot3000]

You sure beat now day's new music by a mile!!!

[kabrinkley]

where were these songs recorded??

[josephsmith57]

smooth.........just smooooothhhhh

[YIdrian]

It's great to hear this clarinet jazz. Thanks.

[Abriggs500]

Who would you say has the best tone? Benny , Artie, or Pete?

[TheDecentVideoGamer]

amazing...

[IOLTA]

The grace is still amazing.

[pisser1953]

Terrific sound from the great Pete Fountain and the band. My golden retreiver Max at this posting is dying from cancer after almost 11 years with the family. We will miss him soooooo much, sniff. This music just goes right to the heart. Thanks Pete, for this tune.

[RockyBalboa211]

@pisser1953: God bless you and your family. I felt the same way when I lost my dog of 13 years..

[pisser1953]

Terrific sound from the great Pete Fountain and the band. My golden retreiver Max at this posting is dying from cancer after almost 11 years with the family. We will miss him soooooo much, sniff. This music just goes right to the heart. Thanks Pete for this tune.

[sqweekyknee]

clarinet is the best

[jbloodwo]

and Pete..

I had the pleasure of hearing Pete live in 1996 in New Orleans..

[ProvidenceUHC]

Bravo!!! These guyz sound awesome, wow they really were rockin!

[JEMCO2008]

Thanks

[max1941]

Please play it when Im passing away,whenever where Im...MAX

[ob1kalody]

Pete rocks and played with my dad, Nobody plays this tune like Pete. Loved Jimmy Webber on the trumpet in the back too. Thanks Jimmy for selling me your Yamaha when someone stole my Benge! Rick

[PaigeMarie04]

Charlie Lodice, the drummer, is my grandpa and can stil tell me some amazing stories of playing in parades and performing and meeting the president! Love Him!

[ljourdan36]

@PaigeMarie04 He is fantastic! Love him

[Dioneleliaz]

no words, good music..

[rsmith7042]

My Dad worked with Pete at the Aragon Ballroom when he was with the Welk orchestra. I grew up listening to him and Al Hirt. Man, this guy can play! Thanks for posting this!

[JimV33]

What was your Dad's name?

Jim V

[rsmith7042]

Jerry Smith

[hajune]

I believe Pete taught the clarinet to speak. Wow!

[Tech502]

Yea, but Artie Shaw taught the clarinet how to sing

[oohyllab]

@hajune

Yeah, great way to put it.

[godukeuniversity]

In high school, I hated clarinets because they were always squeeking== this is until the day I heard Pete Fountain in Concert. He was amazing.

[johnnichols55]

I grew up listening to pete too!! He was the first person to capture my attention as a musician. I love jazz,rock,blues,

and everything else because of Pete Fountain. have been hearing him for 49 years.

[mugwamp1983]

Amazing....I grew up listening to Pete and I think of my mom anytime I hear his music.

[anyname666]

I was on B. St. and he was sold out so I went accross the street to see C. "Frogman" Henery

yeah like who cares.

[ajve34]

all clairnet fans MUST check out Kevin Van Ess

[nessy191292]

amazing !

but one question .... what system have this clarinet?? I play the german system or Öhler system.

[JimV33]

Hi Its a LeBlanc Boehm-system clarinet. Key: Bb Key mechanism: 18 key, 6 ring Key style: In-line Jump trill keys, articulated C#-G# and fork Eb-Bb key Body material: Aged grenadilla wood Pad cup style: Conical Key finish: Gold-plated Mouthpiece: 2500-2L Case: Deluxe wood-shell Options: Model 1612G is available with silver-plated keys as model 1612S and with nickel-plated keys as model 1612 Thanks Jim

[SoloLdy]

Aye, and Jim I used to sell this instument. Pete had his customised with gold plated keys and inlaid diamonds. I used to have a picture of it. It is a beauty

[nessy191292]

Thanks! This clarinet has a very nice sound... and sounds different as my yamaha :-)

[JimV33]

Yes, and I got to play that very horn many times. It is a beauty!

Jim

[Kunai505]

how much you think a clarinet like that would cost?

[nickynick323]

40k actually...

[1chevellelover]

NOW you,ve been to church!!

[pegcage]

I have seen a lot of great entertainers in person. He is one of the greatest. He could have been greater in the world of entertainment, but chose to return home to his beloved New Orleans, where he still performs at his French Quarter club.

[zebrasarecool]

I got to hear Mr. Fountain play on Bourbon St in 1977 when i visited with the Mo Lion's Club Marching Band. My & subsequently / coincidently my wife's HS Band instructor was Floren Thompson III whom told me to find him and listen.

Now and forever, Mr. Fountain will be the best clarinetist. I do not have words to adequately explain.

32 years later, I get goose bumps, stop what I'm doing and listen. I cry because his music touches my soul.

A man I never met created a place in my mind.

Thnku

[anyname666]

OSH

send him a letter have the nurse read it to him

he will like it

[jacob4lif]

my grandpa just sent me this, he said this dude is his SECOND favorite claranetist....i wonder who his first is......:) *sarcastically* hmm gee i wonder who it could be! it couldnt be ME, i only have a PART in the solo part of seranade....lol :) i like it!!

[OSHSClarinet]

this guy is my grandpas 1st cousin. i'm petes fourth cousin:)

it's kinda sad cause he is suffering in the hostpital...cause a stupid stroke:(

[PaineLover]

Could you please give an update on Pete? How's he doing? I love him. I met him in New Orleans, and have a picture of he and I that I cherish. There is no greater Clarinet player than Pete Fountain. Such a sweet man. Oh, and how is Beverly doing?

[oohyllab]

Beautiful stuff here. Thanks so much.

[kcjm95]

Yes Pete can blow. I have another great clarinet player for you to check out go to

Kevin Van Ess. He is a friends of Pete

[allikatzpop]

No one,but,no one makes the clarinet,sing like Pete...he is "Mr.N'awlins..We love ya Pete

[cis1953]

es el mas grande en el clarinete.cis 1953

[skitrees]

I don't think I'll ever tire of hearing the increadible Mr. Pete Fountain. Pure fluidity on all levels!!

Tech question for youtube users: When I click "reply" to a user, the reply never shows up directly as a reply, but as a new comment - what's up with that? Also, where can I find help for these types of questions? (Like, how can I find comments I've posted earlier without manually wading through countless postings?).

Anyway - I love you Pete - hope you live another 80 years!!!

[Dedicator]

I am not sure about your first question but to find you questions just go to your page and you should see an option for latest comments or somthing. Just go to those.

[Velvet4U]

Listen everyone from 2:30 thru 2:38. Wow! what a great blues "run" right there. Pete was "feeling" this song. Love this man.

[Dandylion1947]

Showing my age - back in the 70's I worked as a cocktail waitress at Pete's Place on Bourbon St. Not only did we make HUGE amounts of money but we got to listen to that marvelous music 5 nights a week. It never got old. Great memories.

[JimV33]

I was in that club during the 70's. You may have very well brought me a couple of drinks.  They used to put those black plastic clarinets in the drinks for stirers. I have many of them! Good to hear from you.

Jim

[stellalumas]

Lovely. The best.

[abukamoon]

A master of the clarinet!

[oonabella]

I remember seeing Pete on Johnny Carson quite a bit. He's the best in my opinion. Lovely rendition of this old hymn. Thanks.

[radarmaz]

Pete Fountain use to play on the Lawrence Welk Show, he is now playing in Bay St Louis, MS. Everyone in New Orleans knows Pete Fountaine.

[Megapurrr]

The song is good, but what impressed me the most, was the clarinetist. I play some clarinet... and I tell you, this guy is GOOD.

They all played well, but the clarinet played amazing.

[radarmaz]

Pete Fountain use to play on the Lawrence Welk Show, he is now playing in Bay St Louis, MS. Everyone in New Orleans knows Pete Fountaine.

[robertlaf]

No shi*, he's the star of the show. Poete Fountain is legendary.

[Velvet4U]

So, are you saying Pete is also a Poet?

[Leanne60]

my favorite music of all music is dixieland jazz. this is the best ever version of this old hymn. thx

[emocookie19]

my inspiration!

[The4Wuz]

makes me miss home

[alokinnina]

God bless you mr. Fountain !!

[jalollybad]

Ahhhhhh!!!

[alokinnina]

Absolutely GREAT ! And now for over 50 years : )

[ravikallianpur]

Wow! What more could one say without going flat against music of this calibre.

[yupkim]

What an amazing musician and great representative of New Orleans Jazz, he continues to be over 40+ years! Many more years, Pete! His rendition is like no other's...

Thank you for posting this and his other performances!

[notgullible]

This is really great music.

[gvartanyan]

Just perfect! Thank you so much!

[RainerStraessle]

Pete Fountain plays great. I heard him live in NO in the year of 1980. Good remembers!

[RainerStraessle]

I saw Pete Fountain in 1980 in New Orleans. I like his style very much. All the best wishes

[dmekalian]

His music is timeless.

Visit the complete Pete Fountain Discographpy

petefountain blogspot com

[LkOutMtnMan]

I had a Pete Fountain 78LP that I played while I was in college at Bama, belonged to my parents. It was a joy to listen to him while I studied along with Andy Williams and Moon River! How I love the music! Thanks for posting!

[robertmilisits]

Saw him @ JAZZFEST 06 - 6 wks after open heart surgery - brought tears to my eyes!!

[ivelleh]

and more - gets better every time

[ivelleh]

still coming back for more- it gets better every time

[ivelleh]

I've lidtened to this track many times since i found it (20) ,and it grows on me - really beautiful

[kayb36]

kayb36..Man! Pete Fountain can play! He is the very best I think! He's been my fave for many years...

[pegxxx]

We need more video postings of Pete Fountain! I remember him as a member of the Welk band back in the 50's.